Nikon Z8 has a
46.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized Stacked CMOS sensor and features Expeed 7 processor. On the other hand, Nikon Z6 has a
25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor.
Nikon Z8's sensor provides 21MP more than Nikon Z6's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the Z8 and Z6 sensor size comparison.
Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z6 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon Z6 has 86% larger pixel area (35.25µm2 vs 18.88µm2) compared to Nikon Z8, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z6 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, Z8 has scored 98, 3 points higher than Z6.
Model |
Overall |
Color Depth |
Dynamic Range |
Low-light ISO |
Nikon Z8 |
98 |
26.3 bits |
14.2 Evs |
2548 ISO |
Nikon Z6 |
95 |
25.3 bits |
14.3 Evs |
3299 ISO |